Arsenal confirm Van Persie lay-off to leave them without star for key clashes

16 November 2009 11:41
Arsenal have confirmed striker Robin van Persie will be out of actionfor "approximately six weeks" after suffering ankle ligament damageduring Holland's international friendly against Italy on Saturday.[LNB]Initially it had been feared the Dutch forward - who has scoredeight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and emerged asone of the Gunners' key figures - could be set for a much-longer spellon the sidelines. [LNB]Van Persie, 26, will return to London later this week to continuehis rehabilitation but is set to miss key clashes with Barclays PremierLeague leaders Chelsea at the end of the month, the trip to Liverpoolon December 13 as well as the rest of the hectic Christmas schedule.[LNB] Dutch courage: Robin van Persie writhes in pain after injury his ankle playing for Holland at the weekend[LNB]COMING UP FOR THE GUNNERS [LNB]Nov 21 - Sunderland (a) PL[LNB]Nov 24 - Standard Liege (h) CL[LNB]Nov 29 - Chelsea (h) PL[LNB]Dec 2 - Man City (a) LC[LNB]Dec 5 -Stoke (h) PL[LNB]Dec 9 - Olympiakos (a) CL[LNB]Dec 13 - Liverpool (a) PL[LNB]Dec 16 -Burnley (a) PL[LNB]Dec 19 - Hull City (h) PL[LNB]Dec 27 - Aston Villa (h) PL[LNB]Dec 30 - Portsmouth (a) PL[LNB]A club statement from Arsenal read: "Following the care given tovan Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week andcontinue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney.[LNB]"Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks." [LNB]Although Van Persie could be back for what is likely to be a season-definingfew weeks when Arsenal host Manchester United on January 31 before games againstChelsea and then Liverpool, the loss of the skilful Dutchman could not have comeat a worse time for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.[LNB]Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and England forward Theo Walcott (knee) are already out until early December.Van Persie suffered the injury to his right leg in the 10th minute of Saturday's goalless draw against Italy in Pescara. [LNB] Crunch: Giorgio Chiellini's tackle floored Van Persie[LNB]He was carried off on a stretcher following a heavy challenge fromAzzurri defender Giorgio Chiellini and tests yesterday showed partiallytorn ligaments in his right ankle. [LNB]Van Persie had also suggested he would be out for the best part of two months."I have had a scan. I am probably out for between four and six weeks," he told Dutch television programme Studio Voetbal. [LNB]However, the striker did absolve Juventus defender Chiellini of blame, adding: "There was no intent." [LNB]Van Persie scored twice in the 3-0 victory over Spurs last month,revelling in his new role at the head of a 4-3-3 formation, with Wengerafterwards describing him as a mixture of club legends Thierry Henryand Dennis Bergkamp. [LNB]Wenger said at the time: "He is less of a runner than ThierryHenry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higherup the pitch - he is a mix. [LNB] Flying Dutchman: Van Persie (left) has been in fine form for the Gunners [LNB]"He is the kind of player, with the type of game we play, who isvital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch isalways perfect and that allows others to join in. [LNB]"It makes everybodydangerous. In the box he is clever and intelligent." [LNB]Wenger had also lamented the cost of crucial injuries in November,crossing his fingers that all of the jet-setting Arsenal squad returnedin one piece for Saturday's match with Sunderland at the Stadium ofLight. [LNB]"You look at the statistics, injuries always happen in Novemberand you know that in December you can win or lose the title. It is thevolume of games," he said. [LNB]Wenger added: "You have decisive games in the Champions League and the players go on international duty. [LNB]"Now we have that break and all the players fly away so let's hope they all fly back in good shape. After that we go to Sunderland and that is always a difficult place to go."[LNB] Barcelona step up Cesc Fabregas pursuit by offering Yaya Toure and Bojan Krkic to seal deal for the Arsenal captainChelsea move for 'New Kaka' - but Man United and Arsenal also eye Brazil kidArsenal striker Van Persie insists: I'm not a 'killer' like Torres or DrogbaJamie Redknapp's weekend watch: Let's not go nuts over defeat to BrazilARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail